Château de Beaugency - Château de Blois

The stage from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles is the queen's day of the Pyrenees, one of the most difficult and beautiful stages of the Way of St. James. With a distance of 25 kilometers, the stage is marked by an ongoing and demanding ascent that exceeds 1,400 meters in altitude. The path starts from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (170 m) and begins a continuous ascent that surpasses 1,200 meters of drop-off. The route traverses a spectacular landscape, with dense forests, deep valleys, and panoramic views that disappear into the horizon. It is a very solitary journey, which requires excellent physical preparation and good planning. The wild beauty of the surroundings is the great reward for effort. After topping the pass, the arrival in Roncesvalles (950 m), with its imposing collegiate church, is a moment of great emotion. It's an epic stage that puts the pilgrim to the test but leaves an indelible mark by its beauty and wild character.